Jayhawker

[ jey-haw-ker ]

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Kansas (used as a nickname).
2. (sometimes lowercase) a plundering marauder, especially one of the antislavery guerrillas in Kansas, Missouri, and other border states before and during the Civil War.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Jayhawker¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60; of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

“Grass there is scarce, wood there is none,” wrote Jayhawker Sheldon Young of the landscape.

From National Geographic

Prior to finding himself advancing toward Germany near the end of World War II, Mr. Dole had been a lifelong Jayhawker, recruited to Kansas University by the legendary basketball coach Phog Allen.

From Washington Times

The student organization Jayhawker Liberation Front publicized the strike in tandem with a petition calling for the closure of campus due to the virus spread.

From Washington Times

Jayhawker Liberation Front posted on Twitter asking students not to attend their in-person or online classes Monday.

From Washington Times

Kansas has added several on-campus housing options in recent years and students can choose between nine residence halls, 12 scholarship halls and the Jayhawker Towers and Stouffer Place Apartments.

From Washington Times